Chapter 65 (continued)

--I can almost picture a giant Moli and a human version of a fair-skinned Anna whispering to each other.

... Their gazes sent a chill down my spine for no apparent reason.

Ms. Angela has donned her Crow Mech again. We were worried before that she might have encountered danger or that her mech was damaged, but now... hmm, there seems to be a slight difference? This time, the mech looks a bit metallic red. Perhaps Ms. Crow has many Crow Mechs.

The woman next to her, who was straining to look down, was someone I didn't recognize, but I could guess—it was Masha Alessia, the commander of the mecha legion of the Magitech Corps. She was wearing a form-fitting red combat suit, the same style as the fiery red mecha I had seen before; it must have been a matching set.

Only when they saw us raise our heads did they all uniformly show expressions of disappointment...

Then, the two women nimbly leaped down. As soon as Angela landed, she immediately said to Ms. Alessia, "That's them! These are 'Evil Shadow Manipulator' and 'Flame of Fury'!"

--So Mel and I both shivered.

Lady Angela explained to us, "Because the magic teleporter was destroyed after you entered, we were worried that there might be other difficult enemies here, so we urgently contacted the border garrison. At the same time, Priestess Luolan contacted the Temple of Light. Because of the civilian casualties involved, the Temple of Light sent a team of priests. Although they were far away in the capital, the priesthood knew how to use teleportation magic. With Priestess Luolan locating the location here, Alessia from the Magitech Corps was teleported over and became the commander-in-chief of the Magitech Corps."

Ms. Alessia gave me a hearty laugh and extended her hand, "I've seen you before, you're a mage from the research institute! Haha, I wonder if Doug will wet his pants..."

As she spoke, she winked at me playfully with one eye and gripped my hand tightly. Martial artists usually have a stronger grip, but thankfully, Ms. Alessia quickly realized her oversight and hurriedly apologized to me.

"However, I don't remember ever seeing you before," I said honestly. "If I had seen such an excellent female warrior who excels in both magic and martial arts as you, I probably would have been eager to spar with you."

Alessia gave a strange smirk and said, "Oh, that was two years ago. Back then, your relationship with... cough, with Speaker Reynold hadn't been announced yet. I thought Reynold was single, so I pursued him."

I...

"He rejected me, then he went public with his relationship, and then naturally, that was the end of it..." Alessia shrugged. "But Angela told me about you two on the way here, and all I can say is, good job breaking up!" As she said this, she gave me two thumbs up.

As she spoke, Alessia looked at Mel and me with a grin, and pulled a uniquely designed bracelet from her pocket. "This is a magical bracelet, which I designed myself, but it's a pity there's only one and not a pair... It not only has inlaid magic stones to enhance the effects of spells, but it also has a miniature scanner that can monitor the wearer's mental strength and physical condition. Although it's practically useless to two archmages, consider it a small token of my appreciation."

This really surprised Mel and me; to give such a unique gift on our very first meeting!

"Oh, it's nothing. I'm just a fan of yours! I'm trying to build a good relationship with my idols. When you get married, you have to ask me to be your best man! My soldiers are all well-trained. I'll organize a guard of honor for you. It will definitely outshine those extravagant royal weddings!"

As Alessia spoke, she grabbed my hand without a word and put the bracelet on my wrist. Before I could even speak, Mel, who was standing nearby, nodded in agreement.

"Thank you! We'll definitely let you know." As she spoke, Mel even pulled out her notebook. "Give me your contact number and social media accounts, I'll go back and learn how to use them, and then I'll contact you!"

"Okay, okay!" Alessia said, quickly grabbing a pen and starting to write. "Oh, I also know the best wedding planner in Holy Light City. I'll take him to design something for you. Even though you're mages, we can incorporate some of the latest trends..."

Um... did we jump the topic a little too fast? I could only sigh as I watched Alessia and Mel excitedly begin their discussion.

At that moment, I heard a powerful command from above, "... According to the assigned groups, conduct a full-scale search of the entire base!"

--That was Lusien's voice. Hearing this, I breathed a sigh of relief. It seems that Lusien is truly a dedicated and conscientious knight and commander. No matter how complicated or unpredictable the situation, or whether his teammates are slacking off, he can remain calm and command in an orderly manner. It is a blessing for the Federation to have such an excellent warrior in charge of guarding the Federation.

As I was thinking this, Angela suddenly leaned close to me, quietly pulled me aside, and asked, "I have a personal question I want to ask you, about Reynold, I hope you don't mind..."

As she spoke, she glanced around. Because Anna and Moli's curious gazes kept drifting in their direction, she hesitated for a moment. I then set up a soundproof barrier so she could ask, "How was Reynold's performance in bed?"

I was stunned... and Ms. Angela's serious attitude made me question something... what does Reynold's prowess in bed have to do with the current situation?

But her expression was so serious that I could only reply, "Um... nothing special."

Angela shook her head. "That's not a good compliment. How's the size?"

I...

I was speechless for a long time, feeling like one of those students in college who get called on by the teacher in class but can't answer a single word.

Under Angela's expectant gaze, I stammered, "Probably... the size of a normal person..."

Angela gave a disgusted look and waved her hand. "Forget it, I won't ask anymore. If you can't even remember it, then it means you have no redeeming qualities."

Don't say that... Reynold... does have his merits... I'm referring, of course, to his merits in politics and his career.

Then, Ms. Angela revealed... revealed the excited look she had before tearing the cyborg apart, rubbing her chin with her fingers, looking quite pleased with herself. "But it doesn't matter, anyway, the way Reynold struggled while tied up was quite a sight to behold!"

The shock I'm experiencing now makes me feel as if my teacher has been resurrected and has unleashed one hundred and thirty curses upon me.

Fortunately, the private conversation ended there, because the members of the Federation Magitech Corps were entering the building through the gaps that had been blasted open. At the same time, I saw Lusien leading the way. As they landed, they were each protecting a white-robed priest— the Temple of Light had actually sent a high-ranking priesthood to guard the central hall.

A soldier carrying a fully armed magical instrument, which I didn't recognize, but judging from his words, it was some kind of detection device. He said, "We've detected a large number of life signals, scattered throughout the rooms on the lower level. Preliminary assessment suggests they are all kidnapped victims, numbering nearly fifty."

"Split up and search!" Lusien commanded with great authority.

Finally, a group of dwarven warriors landed outside, carrying jetpacks. The dwarves we rescued immediately rushed over to their comrades, wailing and crying.

It seems our mission at this base has come to a successful conclusion. Next, we need to...

I glanced at Ms. Angela, who had a strange smile on her face, and suddenly all my anger vanished... I even wondered if rescuing Reynold would be like pushing him from one fire pit into another.

Fortunately, on the other hand, Ms. Angela is also a druid of high moral character... Although she has a peculiar taste, if Reynold really doesn't want to, this druid Mourner probably... won't resort to force, right? A druid Mourner who can remain steadfast in her principles after sensing the immense destructive power of nature, and whose mind is not swayed by withering and decay, must have a very strong and upright will.